NASCAR Stills Mourns Dale

I remember watching Dale hit the wall.

I remember DW celebrating with Michael, then, his immediate concern for his friend.

I remember Michael Waltrip trying SO hard to celebrate his Daytona 500 Victory.

I remember Dale Jr. running down pit road, towards the care centre, not to join the celebration.

I remember waiting for news, any news, of Dale's condition.

I remember hearing Mike Helton's announcement.

I remember crying, for a man I never met.

Nine years ago, NASCAR, and all of it's fans remember where they were when they heard the news that Dale Earnhardt, our hero,  had sucumbed to his injuries.

I was in Daytona this year for the '500', and it was hard, hard for this fan to remain composed as I walked through the tunnel under turn four. I wondered how difficult it must be for the Earnhardt family, to return to the place that took the life of a Father, Husband, and friend. 

When Dale Jr. returned to win the first race back at Daytona, is was almost cathardic. To see the flags, shirts, and jackets that fans wear with pride is heartwarming. I had to explain to my better-half that we were in Earnhardt country. It's hard to imagine that nine years has passed.

Daytona is hallowed ground, and to walk up to it and see that statue of Dale holding his only '500' trophy is awe inspiring. Dale was, and still is the winningest driver ever at Daytona. To think he only won the '500' once, makes one realize what an accomplishment it is. 

I remember Ralph Dale Earnhardt.

BW.